Today in Mississippi February 2022 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

LUE

A MISSISSIPPI

rvice

peed rnet

tarting at:

0/MO.

t areas only. y. Subject to Internet not by DISH and d separately.

nd/or receiver

FOR THE

LOVE OF POTATOES FEBRUARY 2022

PIZZA RESTAURANT

MEMORIES

BORN TO

FISH

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Johnny Johnson, President • Mike Banks, Vice President Marty Crowder, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. • Bruff Sanders • Kenneth Seitz

The value of electricity continues to shine How many of us remember dropping into a 4-County Electric Power Association office with our parents and grandparents to pay the light bill? Whether you do that in person, by mail or online today, paying your monthly bill does a lot more than just keep the lights on. Electricity keeps us connected to our modern world. Consider all the necessities and conveniences we enjoy in part because of the power lines running to the electric meter outside your home. Count your televisions, desktop, laptop and tablet computers, printers, your gaming consoles, music and video players and personal assistant devices. Whether they get used every day or just occasionally, the electricity that keeps them working comes from 4-County. Have you looked around your kitchen lately? Between the coffee maker and toaster and the microwave and electric skillet, a lot of us have added several other modern small appliances. You use electricity to run all these devices, and we still keep the lights on, use the stove, heating and air conditioning, and get hot water from tap. The good news is, even as we rely more on electricity, it’s still a bargain, especially compared to other things we pay for regularly. Since 2011, medical care, residential rental rates, and education have increased at rates of 3% or more per year. Butter, meat, and egg costs have been up by more than 1% to 2% annually, and even bread costs have risen better than a half point on average. Compared to those costs, power is a bargain. Nationally, electric prices only rise about 1% a year. Even better, coops around the country have reported a decline in average residential use per

household since 2010. That means we’re doing more things with less energy. When it comes to value, electricity is a clear winner, and we’re always looking for ways to work with you to make it even better. That’s why 4-County urges energy efficiency, encourages you to look for ENERGY STAR® appliances, and promotes technology, designed to give members more control over their electricity use. That’s good for families, couples and individuals trying to live within their budgets. And it’s going to become even more important as digital devices, electric cars, and internet-connected technologies become even more important in our lives. The average home now has 10 Wi-Fi connected devices. That number is expected to explode to 50 by 2020. Technology and the gateways that keep it working use electricity, so you’ll depend upon 4-County for more than the power that keeps the lights on. (And eventually, you’ll all have the choice to use our FASTnet broadband service.) That’s why we’re always working to provide service that’s reliable, keep it affordable, and make it even more valuable to our member — you, your family, and your neighbors. For more information, go to 4county.org or call 1-800-431-1544.

HERE’S AN IDEA

This spring, think summer Temperatures are cold! But warmer temperatures are just around the corner. Spring is a great time to think about how warm it could get this summer. A rise in temperature can also mean a rise in energy bills as well. Give your air conditioner a fighting chance at keeping your home cool in the months ahead, without using more electricity than necessary. Here are some tips to keep energy bills low this summer: • Trade your traditional incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). The new generation of CFLs uses far less energy. • Call a service technician to give your air-conditioning system — and any window units — a thorough once-over before the weather gets hot. • Change air conditioner filters monthly from now until October.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Try these hot ideas to cool off your summer months!

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

4-County_FEB_2022.indd 10

1/21/22 8:31 AM

4-County named Business of Year

January’s Today in Mississippi incorrectly reported that this year’s Board seats up for election were Districts 4 and 7. District 1, Lowndes County and District 5, Choctaw and Winston Counties are positions on this year’s ballot. We regret the error.

4-County Electric Power Association 4-County Electric Power Association was recently recognized as 2021 MediumSized Business of the Year by the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. The co-op received the honor at the chamber’s annual awards banquet in December. “Thank you Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce for naming us the 2021 Medium Business of the Year. We’re proud of the designation and to partner with you to make our community a better place to live and work,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. Organizations and individuals recognized at the chamber event include: VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Josh Read, Linda Gates

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 4-County Electric Power Association

NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR Friendly City Books

LARGE INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR Steel Dynamics

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Munson and Brothers

CHARLEIGH FORD JR. LEGACY AWARD Zachary’s

2022 ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES Annual Meeting Date:

Thursday, June 2, 2022 The 2022 Board of Directors election process began Jan. 3. Official nominations for Board of Directors are made by the 4-County Committee on Nominations, according to Association Bylaws. Other members may also place themselves on the ballot by completing the steps necessary for a Nomination by Petition. Part of that process is collecting 50 signatures of members in good standing. Members may begin collecting those signatures beginning Jan. 3. Petitions for Nomination are due by April 1. Board positions are open in the following 4-County districts: District 1, Lowndes County. Johnny Johnson of Columbus is the District 1 incumbent. District 5, Choctaw and Winston Counties. Marty Crowder is the District 5 incumbent. Key dates associated with the annual meeting and election process are shown below:

• Prior to 60 Days – Friday, April 1 Nominating Committee meets, nominates Director election candidates

4-County’s E-Bill is easy

• 60 Days – Friday, April 1

Life can be tough enough these days, so who doesn’t want to make their world a little easier? 4-County Electric Power Association can help with the co-op’s E-Bill program. How can signing up for E-Bill make your life better? • It’s paperless. That means less clutter for you, and it won’t get lost or delayed in the mail.

• 60 Days – (Friday, April 1)

• It’s convenient. You will get an email notification each month when your bill is ready. You can review your account at any time, and easily print bills when needed. • It’s secure. Using 4-County’s online portal is safe. • It’s good for everybody. The less bills 4-County must print, the less cost to members. That helps keep rates low. Less paper also means less waste, and that is great for our environment.

Deadline for nominations postings in all 4-County offices Deadline for Nominations by Petition Must be delivered to the 4-County Corporate office by 12 Noon

• 150 days – (Monday, January 3, 2022) Earliest date for eligible Nomination by Petition signatures For more information on the election process, please call 1-800-431-1544 or visit https://www.4county.org/ nomination-by- petition-for-board-of-directors/

Those 4-County members signing up for E-Bill will get a one-time $5 credit. For more information on E-Bill, call 4-County at 1-800-431-1544. FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

4-County_FEB_2022.indd 11

1/20/22 1:49 PM

IMPACTS ENERGY USE, BILL 4-County Electric Power Association members are in the midst of cold temperatures this new year. Weather affects electric use and extreme temperatures like those being forecast for the month can really increase power use and drive energy costs up. “Heating and cooling account for up to half the cost of the average Mississippi household’s electric bill. So, when the weather is especially cold or hot, your bill will go up,” said Jon Turner, 4-County manager of marketing and public relations. Energy use and costs follow a typical curve during the year, according to Turner. “Most 4-County members see higher bills in the summer and winter, when temperatures tend to go up or down and stay there for days or weeks at a time. In the spring and fall, the temperatures tend to be more moderate, and bills tend to be lower and it usually all averages out,” Turner said. “The cost of electricity doesn’t change in the cold weather, but people tend to use more of it, so it costs them more. We really just want to remind our members about this and help them mitigate their power use if we can,” Turner added. 4-County understands that higher bills can be tough on members and has several programs for members that can help them find ways to lower their energy use and their costs. Those include online tools that can help calculate how much it costs to run heating and air and appliances, and information on energy efficiency, from simple low-cost fixes to things like adding insulation or installing a newer, more efficient heat pump. Members can also sign up for text or email alerts that can show them how much power they use a day and how much it costs or will let them know if they use a certain amount of power. 4-County members can also track their daily energy use online, which is another great tool for understanding energy use. “It can really help people see what they use every day, and how much weather and other factors play a part in daily electric use,” Turner said. He also stresses that payment options such as Prepay and levelized billing can also help. “We strive to give members tools and resources to help them keep a handle on their energy use,” Turner explained. Members can find out more about all these programs and more at the association’s website at www.4county.org, 4-County’s Facebook page, or by calling 1-800-431-1544. 12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

4-County_FEB_2022.indd 12

1/20/22 1:49 PM

budget-friendly TIPS Q. A.

I don’t have a big budget for energy-efﬁciency upgrades. Can you share any budget-friendly, energy-saving tips? You don’t need a lot of money to save on your energy bills. We have some suggestions that are low-cost, simple adjustments you can make in your home, whether you rent or own.

We all want to afford being comfortable in our homes. If you’re having trouble paying your energy bills, you are not alone. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports one in three households face challenges meeting their energy needs. Decreasing monthly bills and being more efficient at home is something we all should practice. Here are some budget-friendly energy efficiency tips targeting one of the biggest energy users in the home: the heating system. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a U.S. home’s energy consumption.

Add Coziness to Your Home

Seal Your Doors

One way you can feel warmer in your home without turning up the thermostat is by making your home cozy. The way our bodies perceive the temperature of a room is based more on the surfaces in the room than the air temperature. In general, harder surfaces feel colder. For example, your tile floor will feel cooler than your fabric sofa. Cold floors in a room make us feel colder. Adding an area rug to a hard-surface floor can make us feel warmer, even with the same setting on the thermostat. The same goes for windows. Windows are typically the leastinsulated surface in a room and can feel cold in winter months. Adding or closing curtains can help the room feel warmer.

Weatherstripping doors is an easy do-it-yourself project. Make sure your doors seal tightly and don’t allow drafts to pass through around the edges or under the door. Make sure any doors leading to an unheated space — outside or into a garage — are sealed tightly. If you can see light around the edges or underneath the door, or feel air movement when the door is closed, you know you are losing energy. Because doors need to open and close easily, expect to do a bit of adjusting after installing weatherstripping. If weatherstripping isn’t installed correctly, it can make the door hard to close. Making it too loose defeats the purpose. You need to get it just right.

Check Your Windows

If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is completely closed when not using it. Leaving the damper open is like leaving a window open — it’s just harder to see. The air you just paid to heat your home will go right out the chimney. The only exception is some gas fireplaces need to remain open for gas fumes to exit the home. If you have a gas fireplace, check the owner’s manual for more information on the damper position.

Make sure your windows are closed and locked. Locking windows pulls the sashes tighter together, reducing gaps that allow air to flow through and cause drafts. If your sash locks don’t form a tight fit, adjust them or add weatherstripping. There’s a variety of window weatherstripping products available for less than $20. Most are simple to install and only require tools you most likely already have around the house, such as scissors and a tape measure. Some are more permanent solutions, and some are intended to be used for one heating season and then removed. Temporary solutions such as caulk strips, putty, pull-and-peel caulking, or window insulation films can be used if you rent your home and can’t make permanent changes.

Close the Damper

Layer Up Dressing for the season prevents going overboard on your energy use. It can be tempting to adjust the thermostat to increase your comfort. Putting on a sweater or comfy sweatshirt can have the same comfort impact without increasing your energy use. Slippers can be a big help, too, especially when your feet touch a cold floor. The next time you consider turning up the thermostat a few degrees, try some of these tips first to stay warm and leave increased energy bills out in the cold. FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 13

4-County_FEB_2022.indd 13

1/20/22 1:49 PM

FAST FACTS FASTnet, 4-County Electric Power Association’s broadband subsidiary, is making fast progress.

In just over a year of existence, here’s how the numbers look:

1,736 MILES OF LINE

“We know people are very eager to get broadband,” said 4-County/FASTnet CEO Brian Clark. “In fact, we’ve been answering a lot of questions about our timeline, so it might be good to remind everyone how it works,” he added. The schedule members can see on the 4-County website and the one we’ve also published in Today in Mississippi several times shows the dates that construction is scheduled to start in a phase, Clark explained. “We’ve found that it is typically about six months or so between the start of construction in a phase and customers starting to get installed,” Clark said. “But we have found that we’ve been getting out ahead of our construction schedules as we’ve begun hanging mainline fiber in other areas, too. So that should help speed up the process when we do begin a new phase.” For more information, call 1-800-431-1544.

FASTnet construction map and schedule

installed by FASTnet employees and contractors

FASTnet is closing in on installing its TH

CUSTOMER FASTnet construction schedule

FASTnet will soon begin installing services in the

ADATON

PHASE

Phase Lone Oak (OAK) Montpelier (MPR) Maben (MAB) Brooksville (BRK) Adaton (ADT)

Begin Date Spring 2021 Late Spring 2021 Summer 2021 Fall 2021 Late Fall 2021

Phase Oktoc (OKT) Golden Triangle (GTR) Lake Lowndes (LLW) Magbee (MAG) Stinson Creek (SCK)

Begin Date Early 2022 Summer 2022 Fall 2022 Fall 2022 Late 2022

Phase Waverly (WVR) Lakeside (LKS) Prairie (PRA) South Macon (SMC) Sturgis (STG) Ackerman (ACK)

Begin Date Early 2023 Spring 2023 Spring 2023 Fall 2023 Fall 2023 Late 2023

Phase Weir (WER)

Begin Date Early 2024

*Schedule subject to change

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

4-County_FEB_2022.indd 14

1/21/22 8:37 AM

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

FASTnet ﬁber holds no tension for Humphreys Every piece of fiber Jerry Humphreys splices is another building block in a broadband foundation for the next generation. A FASTnet fiber technician, Jerry maintains and repairs broadband services for customers. Jerry enjoys being part of, what he describes as, history in the making. “My eyes have been opened about how providing broadband is changing the lives of 4-County members,” Jerry said. “Now, so many people are working from home. And, quite often, they rely on broadband almost as much as they rely on the lights. Things are really changing.” FASTnet, 4-County’s broadband subsidiary, began operations in late 2020. The company now has nearly 3,000 customers. And the count is growing. “It’s wide open,” Jerry said of the new service. Jerry is used to a “wide open” service approach. He began working at 4-County July 8, 2008, signing on as a fleet maintenance controller. He served there for four years, and then transferred to a role as utility maintenance technician. After nine years there, he made the move to FASTnet. Prior to 4-County, Jerry worked at Lyle Machinery as a field service technician and Columbus Diesel as a technician. He lives in the New Hope community of Lowndes County with his wife, April (a nursing student), and their son Carson, 16. They also have two grown children, Garrett, 22, and Katelyn, 19. Jerry

and April also enjoy spending time with their granddaughter, Denver, 1. Jerry is originally from Reform, Alabama. He is a childhood friend of 4-County Heavy Construction Foreman Eric Yarbrough. Jerry and his family live on a small farm in New Hope, a place where their quarter horses run like the wind. Patsy, Star, Dolly, and Chester have become four-legged members of the family. The farm’s chickens, Jerry stressed, definitely rule the roost. “We have a lot of fun on the farm,” Jerry said. He grew up working with horses and was often involved in rodeos. His favorite rodeo event is team penning, a timed activity where two team members on horseback “cut” or pick cows from a herd and direct them into a small pen. “It’s pretty tough, but fun.” The Humphreys family also enjoys cooking outside over a fire pit. “We cook steaks, sometimes, and sometimes gumbo. Whatever we cook, it’s good,” he said. Other hobbies include duck hunting. His home away from home (4-County/FASTnet) is pretty special, too. “This is the best place I’ve ever worked. It really is like a family here.”

Clark named to prestigious board The TRUST, a private investment group supporting economic development efforts in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle, has named 4-County Electric Power Association CEO Brian Clark to its board of directors. In its 13th year of service, The TRUST supports the Golden Triangle Development LINK’s annual budget and focuses on goals set forth by its governing board and membership. Brian is the CEO/General Manager for 4-County and its broadband subsidiary, FASTnet, both based in Columbus. Brian began his career with 4-County in 2005 and became CFO in 2013, Assistant GM in 2018 and CEO/GM later that year. He is a graduate of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s prestigious Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program. He is a Certified Utility Accountant and a Certified Power Supervisor. Brian has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Mississippi State University. He serves as a deacon at Kolola Springs Baptist Church and has served as president of the Lowndes County School Board. He lives in Columbus with his wife Amy, and son Colton.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 15

4-County_FEB_2022.indd 15

1/20/22 1:50 PM

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

Annual meeting set for March 15 Central Electric Power Association will hold its 85th annual membership meeting on March 15, 2022, at the Carthage Coliseum on Hwy 16 East in Carthage. As pursuant to Central Electric Power Association’s bylaws and to provide each Central Electric member an opportunity to vote in a director election, the official ballot and proxy will be mailed to all Central Electric members the week of February 21, 2022. Enclosed will be an information sheet with “howto-vote” details along with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for members to return

their ballot or proxy. Your official ballot must be received via mail no later than March 15, 2022. The election results will be published in the April issue of Today in Mississippi. In accordance with the laws of Mississippi and the bylaws of the association, members will elect four directors for threeyear terms: one director from Leake County, one director from Neshoba County, one director from Newton County, and one minority member at large. Mark your calendars for March 15, and we’ll see you at the annual meeting!

Brian Long, general manager, presents Fatie Horn a retirement plaque for 39 years of dedicated and outstanding service to Central Electric Power Association.

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Central_FEB-2022.indd 10

1/21/22 8:29 AM

Light for the right reasons Are you trying to light a walkway for guests or keep intruders away from an entrance? Place lights so they achieve your objective. And safety isn’t just about reducing crime. A well-lit outdoor space can also prevent trips, falls, and other accidents.

Revisions Requested

Enlist technology Electronic timers and lights that turn on when they sense motion can give the impression that someone’s home and can light the sidewalk when you return from an outing, without leaving the lights on all the time. Increasingly, lights and fixtures can be linked to a smartphone so you can turn them on and off while you’re out and about.

Approved

Intruders tend to enter a home through a door, and they’d rather you not be home, so they watch for signs that people are at work. That’s why most burglaries happen in the day, and why leaving your lights on all day and night, or when you’re on vacation, can be an advertisement that no one’s home. Keep the yard lit while you’re up and around to show normal activity — turning off the porch light at bedtime can be a sign to a potential intruder that someone is in the house.

Internet-connected devices can be hacked by digital-savvy troublemakers. Whether it’s a security camera or a smart light bulb, they offer cyber crooks a way into your personal information. The basic internet security advice is to have strong passwords and change them regularly, especially on your home’s central router. Keep software updated on your devices — those updates often add the newest cyber protections.

Go old school Besides electricity and technology, use people to reduce crime. Invite a police officer to give a safety briefing at a neighborhood meeting. They can describe the best steps for your area. And of all the crime-reducing tips, experts say the best one is to get to know your neighbors, who can recognize and report any out-of-the-ordinary activity.

LYDIA Date_____

Think like a burglar

Security cameras, alarm systems, and protection services offer a wide range of conveniences including fire protection or checking whether your pets hop onto the dining table when you leave. A security camera can also help identify someone stealing a package delivered to your doorstep. They can be expensive, so do your research carefully, and know what you’re trying to achieve.

Protect yourself from internet hackers

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Central_FEB-2022.indd 11

1/20/22 9:23 AM

Revisions Requested

Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system

Revisions Requested STEVEN Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ARTIST ___________ Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Approved

The basic advice from law enforcement, insurance companies, and home security system vendors is, don’t just flip on the yard light before bed. In fact, you may want to turn it off before turning in. The goal is to make it look like people are home. Turning lights on and off gives your home that lived-in look. And if you’re not there, well, there’s an app for that.

VERSION #______________ CHRIS Date_____ Approved

CHAD Date_____

on home security

P.O. BOX 188 • 340 HOPSON STREET • LYON, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • FAX 662-624-8327 • www.coahomaepa.com • cepa@coahomaepa.com

February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with special observances like Presidents’ Day, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, in addition to a host of unofficial “national” days you’ve probably never heard of like “National Tater Tot Day.” But they all have something in common. They were created to draw attention to a particular issue or theme. Valentine’s Day may seem like an observance originally created by a greeting card company, but over time, it’s become a widely celebrated day generating millions of dollars spent on flowers, candy and of course, greeting cards professing our love. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the lovebirds. It’s also the perfect time to let our friends, family, co-workers, and other special people in our lives know we care about them — with or without a store-bought greeting card. So, in that vein, we’ve created our list of top five reasons why we love serving you, the members of Coahoma Electric.

We love serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible, and safe electricity. Simply put, Coahoma Electric exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed — to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not.

You enable us to complete our mission by supporting our efforts to give back. A major part of our mission is to serve our community and look after the greater good. With your assistance, we’re able to help the most vulnerable members of our community through charity programs..

Members of our co-op also serve on the board of directors. They provide guidance for setting co-op priorities and helping make big decisions. Because our board members live in the area, they’re able to serve as the pulse of the larger community and identify immediate and long-term needs. The broader co-op membership provides helpful input through their vote on director elections and by weighing in on co-op and community issues.

You help us get it right. Coahoma Electric members are great about keeping us in the know. We do our best to avoid power outages, but Mother

Nature can occasionally throw us a curveball; our members are quick to report any power disruptions and are patient as our crews work to safely restore power. We know outages are frustrating, and your support as we work through storms means so much to our employees. We also appreciate your feedback on co-op programs and services. Your opinions are critical for the co-op’s success, and we thank you for that.

You and other Coahoma Electric members make up the community we serve — and for us, it’s all about community. Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it thrive. As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.

by W. Keith Hurt General Manager

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Coahoma_FEB 2022.indd 10

1/20/22 8:32 AM

on home security by Paul Wesslund Lighting up your yard will keep the burglars away, right? That’s mostly true, but like a lot of things in life, it’s not that simple. A brightly-lit yard could make it easier for the bad guys to see during a break-in. From street lights to porch lights, studies show that better outdoor lighting reduces crime. But those same reports say that security lighting works best as part of a plan that takes into account what crooks look for.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system

Think like a burglar Intruders tend to enter a home through a door, and they’d rather you not be home, so they watch for signs that people are at work. That’s why most burglaries happen in the day, and why leaving your lights on all day and night, or when you’re on vacation, can be an advertisement that no one’s home. Keep the yard lit while you’re up and around to show normal activity — turning off the porch light at bedtime can be a sign to a potential intruder that someone is in the house.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Coahoma_FEB 2022.indd 11

1/20/22 8:32 AM

FOR TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI INFORMATION, CALL 877-7MY-CEPA (1-877-769-2372) WWW.COASTEPA.COM

Where our members have the power

Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands

February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with special observances like Black History Month, Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day, in addition to a host of unofficial “national” days you’ve probably never heard of like “National Tater Tot Day.” But they all have something in common. They were created to draw attention to a particular issue or theme. Valentine’s Day may seem like an observance originally created by a greeting card company, but over time, it’s become a widely celebrated day generating millions of dollars spent on flowers, candy and of course, greeting cards professing our love. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the lovebirds. It’s also the perfect time to let our friends, family, co-workers and other special people in our lives know we care about them — with or without a store-bought greeting card. So, in that vein, we’ve created our list of top five reasons why we love serving you, the members of Coast Electric.

We love serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist.

You help us get it right.

Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible and safe electricity. Coast Electric exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed in 1937 — to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not.

Coast Electric members are great about keeping us in the know. We rely on member feedback when creating new programs and determining how to improve our programs and services. We appreciate your feedback in our regular surveys. Your opinions are critical for the co-op’s success, and we thank you for that.

You enable us to complete our mission by supporting our efforts to give back.

You and other Coast Electric members make up the community we serve — and for us, it’s all about community.

A major part of our mission is to serve our community and look after the greater good. With your assistance, we’re able to help the most vulnerable members of our community through programs like Operation Round Up that funds grants for charitable organizations in our area and Share Your Blessings, a program that helps local families pay their energy bills when times are tough.

Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it thrive. That’s why Coast Electric encourages employees to make a difference in our community. It’s also why we invest in economic development, and why you’ll see our employees volunteering at local schools and other charitable and community endeavors. As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.

Members of our co-op also serve on the board of directors. They provide guidance for setting co-op priorities and making big decisions. Because our board members live in the area, they understand the immediate and long-term needs of our community. The broader co-op membership provides helpful input by voting in director elections and by weighing in on co-op and community issues.

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Coast_FEB_2022.indd 10

1/19/22 4:50 PM

Coast Electric expands executive staff Coast Electric has recently made changes to its executive staff to ensure efficient and consistent operations. Long-time team member Scott Brown was promoted to Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations with Steven Broussard being named Vice President of Engineering and Kendall Ladner taking on the role of Vice President of Operations.

Scott Brown

Steven Broussard

Kendall Ladner

Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations

Vice President of Engineering

Vice President of Operations

HONORING SERVICE TO COAST ELECTRIC RETIREES We’ve recently said a fond farewell to Coast Electric employees who have dedicated many years of their lives to serving co-op members and supporting the Coast Electric mission. We thank each of these employees and wish them well in the next chapter of their lives.

CHERI ARRINGTON

JACKO TAYLOR

STEVE PITZER

MEMBER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, BILOXI

CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR, HARRISON COUNTY

VICE PRESIDENT OF EASTERN DIVISION OPERATIONS

4 YEARS OF SERVICE

36 YEARS OF SERVICE

40 YEARS OF SERVICE

SERVICE AWARDS Additionally, we honored the following employees for their years of service.

20 YEARS PATRICIA WERNIKOWSKI GLENN AMACKER

30 YEARS

RICHARD OLIVER BECKEY ORTIZ

DONNIS HARVEY LOU COLLINS KEVIN MAURIGI

25 YEARS CHERYL LIZANA ARCHIE DICKENS

35 YEARS

RACHEL HOLT ROBERT W. NECAISE

BERT VON ANTZ REGAN NECAISE

JOHN HOLSTON TIM CAMERON

40 YEARS STEVE PITZER

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Coast_FEB_2022.indd 11

1/19/22 4:50 PM

CONNECTING MISSISSIPPI

5,000

In December 2021, just 13 months after construction on the CoastConnect high-speed fiber internet system began, the company’s 5,000th subscribers were connected. CoastConnect is the first provider, besides satellite providers, to offer service in many of the areas where residents are enjoying lightning-fast speeds for work, telemedicine, streaming, gaming and more. Coast Electric, CoastConnect and contract workers have done the hard work of preparing Coast Electric’s electrical grid and constructing a new system to bring service to Coast Electric members. Just as the cooperative built an electrical grid to serve rural areas more than eight decades ago, CoastConnect is connecting rural residents to the world with high-speed internet and phone service. While a full system build out will take a few years to complete, construction is ahead of schedule. More than 100 new subscribers are connected each week. If you would like to see areas that are in service, or under construction or in the planning phase, visit www.coastconnect.com and click “sign up.” You will be able to view our map and enter your address to show interest in service when it comes to your area.

CoastConnect’s

5,000th

subscribers

CoastConnect’s

1st subscriber

EFFORT

CoastConnect is one of the 18 electric cooperatives across the state to bring highspeed internet service to rural Mississippians. Mississippi co-ops have bridged the digital divide and are setting an example for other states by creating a partnership between state legislatures and rural cooperative distribution systems. • Eighteen out of 25 electric cooperatives in Mississippi are implementing reliable high-speed internet in some capacity in their service territories. • Fifteen pilot projects, which were partially financed by CARES Act funding through the Mississippi Legislature, were done with speed and effectiveness, creating a model for other projects funded in state government. • When the fiber projects are completed over the next several years, the partnership could be the largest economic development project in the state’s history. Once completed, the collective high-speed internet venture will represent a billion-dollar investment in the families, businesses and communities of Mississippi.

Once completed, the collective high-speed internet venture will represent a billion-dollar investment in the families, businesses and communities of Mississippi.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Coast_FEB_2022.indd 12

1/19/22 4:50 PM

FOR

“This has made my life so much easier to be able to handle my business from home.” ASHLEY SHUCK

“I love my internet. I am so glad it’s in my area.”

“If you live in the country and you want reliable, fast internet speed CoastConnect is your answer. We’ve tried other services through the years and have never been as pleased as we are now.” WALTER AND TRICIA GIBSON

TONYA LEE

“So happy with our service!” DINA MEADOR

Reduce Your Use Contest Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. All you have to do is visit coastepa.com and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to Gina Koonce, the winner of our January Reduce Your Use prize!

Shut the door on energy waste

Energy efﬁciency tip of the month About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through inefficient windows. Caulk and weatherstrip all windows to seal air leaks When running your home heating system, lock all operable windows to ensure the tightest seal possible. Source: Dept. of Energy

Did you know 25% to 40% of energy used to heat and cool your home is wasted through air leaks? Seal all exterior doors with weatherstripping to minimize energy waste. FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 13

Coast_FEB_2022.indd 13

1/21/22 8:38 AM

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425 – USE IT ANY TIME 24/7

✓GET ACCOUNT INFO ✓MAKE A PAYMENT ✓REPORT AN OUTAGE ✓MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT

Energy-saving, budget-friendly tips Q: I don’t have a big budget for energy-efﬁciency upgrades. Can you share any budget-friendly, energy-saving tips? A: You don’t need a lot of money to save on your energy bills. Here are some suggestions that are low-cost, simple adjustments you can make in your home, whether you rent or own.

Decreasing monthly bills and being more efficient at home is something we all should practice. Here are some budget-friendly energy efficiency tips targeting one of the biggest energy users in the home: the heating system. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a U.S. home’s energy consumption.

Add Coziness to Your Home One way you can feel warmer in your home without turning up the thermostat is by making your home cozy. The way our bodies perceive the temperature of a room is based more on the surfaces in the room than the air temperature. In general, harder surfaces feel colder. For example, your tile floor will feel cooler than your fabric sofa. Cold floors in a room make us feel colder. Adding an area rug to a hard-surface floor can make us feel warmer, even with the same setting on the thermostat. The same goes for windows. Windows are typically the least-insulated surface in a room and can feel cold in winter months. Adding or closing curtains can help the room feel warmer.

Check Your Windows Make sure your windows are closed and locked. Locking windows pulls the sashes tighter together, reducing gaps that allow air to flow through and cause drafts. If your sash locks don’t form a tight fit, adjust them or add weatherstripping. There’s a variety of window weatherstripping products available for less than $20. Most are simple to install and only require tools you most likely already have around the house, such as scissors and a tape measure.

Adding an area rug to a hard-surface ﬂoor can make your home feel warmer. Your pets will enjoy the coziness, too.

stripping isn’t installed correctly, it can make the door hard to close. Making it too loose defeats the purpose. You need to get it just right.

Close the Damper If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is completely closed when not using it. Leaving the damper open is like leaving a window open — it’s just harder to see. The air you just paid to heat your home will go right out the chimney.

Seal Your Doors

Layer Up

Dressing for the season prevents going overboard on your energy use. It can be tempting to adjust the thermostat to increase your comfort. Putting on a sweater or comfy sweatshirt can have the same comfort impact without increasing your energy use. Slippers can be a big help, too, especially when your feet touch a cold floor. The next time you consider turning up the thermostat a few degrees, try some of these tips first to stay warm and leave increased energy bills out in the cold.

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Delta_FEB-2022.indd 10

1/20/22 8:26 AM

Delta EPA electronic (paperless) billing Delta Electric Power Association offers Electronic Billing Service for residential and small commercial customers. Why bother with paper and the wait for your bill in the mail! Sign up for free Electronic Billing and you will receive a PDF image of your bill by email the morning of your billing date. You will receive a separate email and PDF image for each Delta EPA account.

Please contact us at billpay@deltaepa.coop with your Delta EPA account number, name, primary email address and secondary email address (if applicable), and we will get you enrolled. You can also sign up by contacting your local Delta EPA office. Please note that once enrolled, you will no longer receive a paper bill. Non-delivery of your electronic bill for any reason does not relieve you of the responsibility for paying your bill on time.

Shut the door on energy waste

Did you know 25% to 40% of energy used to heat and cool your home is wasted through air leaks? Seal all exterior doors with weatherstripping to minimize energy waste.

Three options to pre-register for ﬁber internet service and voice services

DELightSpeed.coop 662-477-1975 or info@delightspeed.coop FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Delta_FEB-2022.indd 11

1/21/22 8:13 AM

“Powering communities and empowering lives” Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

dixieepa.com | defastlink.net | prepared.dixieepa.com | AFTER HOURS: 888-465-9209 | 601-425-2535 dixieepa.com

@DixieElectricMS

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

Full speed ahead While 2021 presented challenges for just about everyone, it was a tremendous year for DE Fastlink. Around this time last year, our board of directors voted to expand DE Fastlink beyond our pilot project to our entire service area. We hit the ground running and began developing an aggressive construction plan for the remainder of the year. We also established a DE Fastlink Board of Managers and began community events and advertising. Although our progress was substantial, it was met with several hurdles. Despite the onset of the COVID Delta variant and consistent supply chain issues, we still managed to cover a lot of ground by opening eight phases of our construction plan for connection and linking over 3,000 subscribers by the end of 2021. The response from you, our members, has been outstanding, with over a 40% collective take rate. As we begin 2022, we plan to move full speed ahead. We’ve added several new areas to our target map for this year and will continue to update this map as our construction plans are formed. You can view this map at defastlink.net. We’ve added additional fiber optic technicians to our team to continue to build an elite customer service experience through tech-support. We are also exploring additional grant funding to help lower the cost of building the fiber infrastructure, which will be savings passed to subscribers in the future. Just as your membership matters, we also know that

your connection matters. We thank you for your patience as we’ve worked to build this state-of-the-art system from the ground up. We look forward to the progress we intend to make this year as we continue to bring high-speed internet to areas where no one else would. We feel your excitement, and it has been a privilege to link rural communities with exceptional speed and customer service.

by Randy Smith General Manager

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

DIXIE_Feb_2022.indd 10

1/21/22 8:14 AM

Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. But unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which can take a toll on your energy bill. The truth is, whether you should use space heaters depends on your home’s efficiency and energy needs. If you’re using a space heater to compensate for problems in your home, like inadequate insulation, drafty windows and exterior doors, or an inefficient heating system, space heaters are not a practical solution. Your best bet is to improve the overall efficiency of your home. If you’re on a tight budget, caulking and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors is a low-cost, easy way to save energy. Depending on the size of your home, adding insulation can be a great next step. Taking these proactive energysaving measures rather than relying on space heaters for supplemental warmth can reduce your heating and cooling bills for years to come. Perhaps your home is energy efficient, but you’re cold-natured and want a specific room to be cozier than the rest. In this case, a space heater may work for your needs. A good comparison is ceiling fans; we use ceiling fans in the If you’re using a space heater summer to cool people, not rooms. A space heater can to compensate for problems be used similarly during in your home, like inadequate winter months. Only use a insulation, drafty windows and space heater in small spaces exterior doors, or an inefﬁcient that you’re occupying and, if possible, try to shut off heating system, space heaters other rooms to contain the are not a practical solution. warmth provided by the space heater. If you decide to use a space heater to heat a small area in your home, make sure the heater is properly sized for the space; most heaters include a general sizing table. A word about safety: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with the use of space heaters every year, resulting in more than 300 deaths. If you must use a space heater, purchase a newer model that includes the most current safety features and make sure it carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Choose a thermostatically controlled heater to avoid energy waste and overheating, and place the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic when in use. Always keep children and pets away from space heaters. Consider alternative ways to stay warm, like extra layers of clothing or UL-approved electric blankets. If you have hardwood or tile floors, lay down area rugs to provide additional insulation and maintain warmth. We know it’s cold out there, but remember, in addition to safety concerns, space heaters can significantly increase your energy bills if used improperly. And remember, we’re always here to help you manage your energy use.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

DIXIE_Feb_2022.indd 11

1/21/22 8:15 AM

VERSION #______________ RON Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested STEVEN Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHAD Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ELISSA Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHRIS Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ARTIST ___________ Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested

Are portable space heaters efﬁcient for my home?

Co op Connections:

’ Valentine s Day

Are you in search of a florist for a special someone this Valentine’s Day? Consider one of these participating Co-op Connection businesses! Laurel

Hattiesburg

Doris Tanner’s Flowers, located at 3635 Sharon Road, has been proudly serving Laurel since 1965. Family-owned and operated, they are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts backed by friendly and prompt service. Local delivery is available upon request. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive ﬁve percent off or a free balloon on local orders. Discount excludes

Four Seasons Florist has an extraordinary floral arrangement for all the seasons in your life. Proudly serving the Hattiesburg area, Four Seasons is a full-service, family-owned and operated florist with online and in-store shopping experiences with daily delivery available. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive 15 percent off per order or free local delivery.

wire/out orders.

Petal

Waynesboro

Sweet Blossom is a florist and gift shop located at 1140 Evelyn Gandy Parkway in Petal. Sweet Blossom offers beautiful and unique floral arrangements and gifts for women, men, and children. Delivery is also available. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive one free mylar balloon with a $30 or more floral arrangement.

Randall Blake Florist and Gifts is a one-stop shop for all your floral needs. Located at 913 Robinson Street, they are a full-service florist specializing in weddings, funerals, gifts, and special occasions. Delivery is also available with fresh flowers daily. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive ﬁve percent off your purchase.

Download the free Co-op Connections app in the App Store to use your digital card and to view individual discounts.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

DIXIE_Feb_2022.indd 12

1/19/22 4:43 PM

Sweet cravings

beneﬁt The Glory House For the last several years, members who visit our office, either through the drive-thru window or inside, have had the opportunity to purchase a World’s Finest Chocolate Bar offered in five different varieties. Each year, profits raised from candy bar sales are distributed to different local charities. In 2021, Dixie Electric raised $3,725 by selling these sweet treats to benefit The Glory House of Laurel. The Glory House has one mission: Love God, love people. Operated by Grant and Hope Staples, The Glory House offers various services and ministry facets for anyone who desires to serve others. They own and operate The Bread of Life Center, a food pantry serving up to 1,200 families a month with non-perishable food items. They also oversee Restore Jones County, a non-profit organization and long-term disaster recovery agency comprised of representatives from volunteers, the private sector, businesses, and community-based and faith-based organizations dedicated to connecting recovery resources with community needs to ensure that even the most vulnerable in our community recover from disaster. Dixie Electric is thankful for members like Grant and Hope Staples, who Member Service Representative Shelia Richardson answered the call to love their neighbors. For more information on how you presents Grant Staples with a $3,725 donation check. can donate or serve, visit thegloryhouse.org.

NEW PHOTOSave

the Date

Dixie Electric’s Charity Golf Tournament Thursday, April 28, 2022 Laurel Country Club For more information, contact Pollyanna Magee at 601-425-2535 or pollymagee@dixieepa.com.

NEW CLEARING TREES AND LIMBS FOR RELIABLE SERVICE PHOTO Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs, and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

Clearing project underway • • • •

Petal substation: Petal, Sunrise, Hillcrest, and Macedonia North Petal substation: Eastabuchie, Glendale, and Petal Ellisville Junction substation: Pecan Grove, Ovett, and Tuckers Crossing South Hoy substation: Laurel, Soso, Calhoun, Moss, and Shady Grove FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 13

DIXIE_Feb_2022.indd 13

1/19/22 4:43 PM

DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Louisville 662-773-5741 • Quitman 601-776-6271 • After-Hours Outages, Call 601-581-8600

MEMBER OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. THAT’S THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Working with local legislators “All politics is local.” This observation by the late Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr., former Speaker of the House of Representatives, means that even national politics have a local impact, and people care most about issues that directly affect them. Indirectly, this famous adage underscores the importance and value of local politics. At East Mississippi Electric Power Association, we know it’s critical to develop and cultivate relationships with local legislators because they craft, introduce, and vote on legislation that impacts our local business climate, the environment, and quality of life for our community. That’s why we work closely with our local elected officials. After all, our mission is to deliver services to empower lives and our vision is to develop pathways for community success. EMEPA is a local business that powers economic development and prosperity for our region. A prime example is our investment of over $100 million in fiber infrastructure to provide broadband service to our members. As a cooperative, we have deep roots here, and we listen closely to our members to better understand the needs of our communities. Our leadership, board members, and employees live and work right here in the community we serve. We are an advocate for our community, ensuring that local legislators know, understand, and act on the issues that are important to our area.

Providing industry guidance and expertise We recognize that most legislators need a knowledgeable source that they can trust for information on the legislation they must vote on, which covers a wide range of issues. Their expertise may not include the changing energy industry, which is why EMEPA provides guidance and expertise from subject matter experts who’ve been in the energy industry for many years. Today’s energy landscape is an increasingly complex topic covering not only the traditional engineering and vegetation management aspects of the industry, but also encompasses

technology, cybersecurity, the electrification of the transportation sector, and more. Our experts provide briefings and background to legislators, committees and staff, and we offer expert testimony for hearings and other legislative or regulatory meetings or gatherings. And because we’re involved in economic development and we know local community leaders, we can provide insight on how issues and policies under discussion might impact our region.

Co-op as a convener In addition, we periodically invite legislators and their staff to the co-op for tours so they can see first-hand how we operate and can view our operations center, substations, and distribution system. We also invite legislators to participate in special events like our Cooperative University Program for high school juniors.

Representing your best interests We strive to be a trusted resource on energy issues. Because of our deep roots in the community, we have a firm understanding of local issues and needs. We will continue looking after the long-term interests of our consumer-members. This means we are able to cultivate and foster positive, productive relationships with legislators who know and trust us, because we’re advocating on behalf of the community we serve. We’re proud to power your life and bring good things to the community. We hope you’ll continue to advise EMEPA on matters of importance so we can continue to advocate on your behalf and improve the quality of life for all.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

East-FEB_2022-CW.indd 10

1/20/22 1:39 PM

Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

East-FEB_2022-CW.indd 11

Revisions Requested Revisions Requested

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Approved

1/20/22 1:39 PM

VERSION #______________ LYDIA Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested STEVEN Date_____ Approved CHRIS Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ARTIST ___________ Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

on home security

We love serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible, and safe electricity. Simply put, EMEPA exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed — to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not.

You enable us to complete our mission by supporting our efforts to give back A major part of our mission is to serve our community and look after the greater good. With your assistance, we’re able to support our community through employee volunteerism, youth leadership program and our volunteer fire department donation program.

Members of our co-op also serve on the board of directors They provide guidance for setting co-op priorities and helping make big decisions. Because our board members live in the area, they’re able to serve as the pulse of the larger community and identify immediate and long-term needs. The broader co-op membership provides helpful input through their vote on director elections and by weighing in on co-op and community issues.

You help us get it right EMEPA members are great about keeping us in the know. We do our best to avoid power outages, but Mother Nature can occasionally throw us a curveball; our members are quick to report any power disruptions and are patient as our crews work to safely restore power. We know outages are frustrating, and your support as we work through storms means so much to our employees. We also appreciate your feedback on co-op programs and services. Your opinions are critical for the co-op’s success, and we thank you for that.

You and other EMEPA members make up the community we serve — and for us, it’s all about community Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it thrive. That’s why EMEPA donates to local charities, schools, and scholarship funds. It’s also why we invest in economic development. As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.

According to Section 4.04(a) of the Bylaws of East Mississippi Electric Power Association, any 50 members acting together may make a nomination by petition. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member. Qualified

nominations made by petition, if any, must be received on or before the second Wednesday in May before the committee on nominations meeting in June. The committee on nominations shall receive and consider any suggestions as to nominees submitted by members of the Association and shall review the regularity of all nominations and all petitions for nomination and approve or reject the same.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

East-FEB_2022-CW.indd 12

1/20/22 1:40 PM

Board Nomination Notice

EAST MISSISSIPPI CONNECT’S FIBER INTERNET

APPEALS TO HOMEBUYERS

Real estate agents say high-speed service is in high demand With the first phase of the fiber broadband network construction complete, and phase two well underway, homeowners throughout East Mississippi Connect’s service area can soon enjoy the benefits of fast and reliable internet service with speeds up to 1 gigabit. Among the many benefits is a potential boost in their property values. “It is so exciting to hear of reliable internet being offered to rural areas,” says Tara Komar, an agent with Dwell Realty Group, LLC. “This is a question buyers almost always ask, and it can make or break their decision to pursue a certain property.” A recent survey by researchers at the University of Colorado and Carnegie Mellon University reported that fiber optic connections, the fastest type of high-speed internet available, can add $5,437 to the price of a $175,000 home — equivalent to the value of a fireplace or roughly half the value of a full bathroom. Another study, published by the nonprofit Fiber to the Home Council, found a fiber broadband connection can raise a home’s value by 3%, and disconnecting a home from broadband would decrease its value by 2.8%. As more daily tasks can be completed online remotely, an increasing number of Americans are turning to rural living in search of a better quality of life. Local real estate professionals are fielding inquiries from home shoppers across the country.

“This has even more so become the case due to the past couple of ‘COVID years’,” Komar says. “Completing assignments for school and work and having the capability to participate in video conferencing like Zoom is almost a necessity for most families at this point in time. Hooray for more widely available internet!” But not just any internet connection will do. Today’s homebuyers are looking not only for high speeds, they also expect reliability and ample bandwidth. East Mississippi Connect is bringing this life-changing technology to families and businesses with matching download and upload speeds, no data caps and the latest technology. This is the fastest and most advanced internet service available and rivals — if not outperforms — the service people living in big cities like New York or Los Angeles receive. East MS Connect already provides service to over 3,000 homes and businesses and is connecting even more in 2022. So far, the areas of Vimville, Cleveland, Bonita, DeKalb, Townsend and Clarkdale have access to this crucial service. These subscribers are now able to learn and work from home, receive crystal clear digital calls, have access to advanced telehealth services and more. This year, the areas of Kewanee, Briarwood, Handle and Quitman will be in full service. By 2025, all five phases of the fiber build will be complete and connected.

Visit EastMSConnect.com to learn more about how fiber can improve your life and home value and to preregister for service.

East-FEB_2022-CW.indd 13

601-581-8800 | EastMSConnect.com

1/21/22 8:17 AM

P: 3027 HIGHWAY 98 WEST, SUMMIT 39666 | M: P.O. BOX 747, McCOMB 39649

www.MEPCoop.com

| REPORT OUTAGES 601-684-4011 | PAY BY PHONE 1-877-779-7740

MEP Annual Meeting canceled, but board elections continue

and Twitter

Notice of 2022

Board Elections and 2021 Annual Report

by Darrell Smith General Manager

During the January Magnolia Electric Power Board meeting, it was decided to cancel the 2022 Annual Meeting due to the ongoing pandemic and our concern for our members and employees. “With the recent upswing of the new strain of the virus, MEP wants to do their part in keeping everyone as safe and healthy as we can,” said General Manager Darrell Smith. “However, our Board of Directors election process will go on as normal.” Brookhaven “Throughout this entire year, the safety of our members, employees, and 84 board members has been our highest LINCOLN priority,” Smith said. “Our Annual COUNTY Meeting brings in nearly 200 people, FRANKLIN Bogue Chitto COUNTY and we do want to continue to do 98 everything we can to keep everyone Smithdale PIKE as safe as possible.” AMITE COUNTY Summit COUNTY “We appreciate everyone’s McComb patience during this difficult time. We have kept the power on through some quite trying times since the 24 Liberty Covid pandemic has hit our state, Osyka including tornadoes, ice storms, and hurricanes,” Smith said. “After the election results have been made official, I will give a report on the election and share information that I would normally discuss at the Annual Meeting,” Smith said. “I would ask that our members look for the proxies that will be dropped in the mail in early February and be a part of our election process by sending in your proxies,” he concluded.

Look for this brochure in early February.

LAWRENCE COUNTY

Jayees

WALTHALL COUNTY 98

MARION COUNTY

Tylertown

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Magnolia_Feb_2022.indd 10

1/19/22 4:36 PM

MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC POWER PRESENTS

EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS COVID-19 has changed a lot of things these past two years. MEP has made adjustments so that we could continue our service of providing safe, reliable electric power to our members. Last year we celebrated our employees’ Service Awards with a walk-through event and decided to do the same this year. Some were not photographed due to different reasons, but these photos represent many who were celebrating their work milestones this past year.

Receiving Annual Service Awards during the event were: (from left) Scott Weeks, 25 years; Kristy Dunaway, 20 years; and Darrell Smith, 45 years. Not pictured is Jerry Sisco, 25 years.

Receiving Annual Service Awards for 15 years of service are: (from left) Chad Moak, Mable Lenard, Angie O’Brien, and Sheila Morgan. Not pictured is Amanda McKenzie.

Receiving Annual Service Awards for 10 years and five years were: (from left) Kim Fortinberry, 10 years; Andrew Wood, 10 years; and Haley Shepherd, five years.

kout! 146557_58448

M A R CH 24

_MAG_ENV_

khh.indd 1

Be on the lookout for your 2022 Board of Elections Proxy Envelope. Make sure to have your voice heard by voting! Send in your proxy, and you will be automatically entered into the drawing to win a Power Prize and a Magnolia Electric Power calendar.

Magnolia_Feb_2022.indd 11

PRSRT FIRST-CLA SS MAIL U.S. POSTAG E PAID MAILED FRO M ZIP CODE 39205 PERMIT NO . 527

COUN

022

i 39 64 9

Mi ssi ssi pp

UR V O YO

2022 NO TIC E OF BO AR D EL EC TIO NS TS

Be on the

P.O . Bo x 74 7 Mc Co mb ,

YOU COU

A POWER PR LD WIN IZ A MEP CALEND E AND RECEIVE AR IN THE Send in your proxy and you MAIL! autom are ed for the dra wing.

atically enter

58448

1/7/22 2:10 PM

1/19/22 4:36 PM

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 - 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD – 662-256-2962 • CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET – 662-356-4100

We love serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible, and safe electricity. Simply put, Monroe County Electric exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed — to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not.

are quick to report any power disruptions and are patient as our crews work to safely restore power. We know outages are frustrating, and your support as we work through storms means so much to our employees. We also appreciate your feedback on co-op programs and services. Your opinions are critical for the co-op’s success, and we thank you for that.

You and other Monroe County Electric members make up the community we serve — and for us, it’s all about community. Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it thrive. That’s why Monroe County Electric donates to local charities, schools, and scholarship funds. It’s also why we invest in economic development. As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.

You help us get it right. Monroe County Electric members are great about keeping us in the know. We do our best to avoid power outages, but Mother Nature can occasionally throw us a curveball; our members

by Barry Rowland General Manager

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Monroe-FEB_2022.indd 10

1/21/22 8:21 AM

tip of the month About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through inefficient windows. Caulk and weatherstrip all windows to seal air leaks. When running your home heating system, lock all operable windows to ensure the tightest seal possible. Source: Dept. of Energy

Monroe County Financial Statement BALANCE SHEET ASSETS Utility Plant - net Other Property and Investments Current and Accrued Assets Deferred Debits

YEAR ENDED 6/30/2021

YEAR ENDED 6/30/2020

$ 51,449,883 632,322 21,006,939 248,079

$ 44,088,875 600,835 10,427,406 182,179

TOTAL ASSETS & OTHER DEBITS

73,337,223

55,299,295

LIABILITIES Memberships & Patronage Capital Long Term Debt Other Non-Current Liabilities Current & Accrued Liabilities Deferred Credits

39,118,440 22,050,394 5,810,696 6,298,761 58,932

37,105,518 6,971,983 6,319,315 4,857,852 44,627

$ 73,337,223

$ 55,299,295

TOTAL LIABILITIES & OTHER CREDITS

INCOME STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 6/30/2021

YEAR ENDED 6/30/2020

$ 23,719,421 912,817

$ 23,600,078 518,390

24,632,238

24,118,468

EXPENSES Purchased Power 16,729,641 Distribution Expense - Operating 469,022 Distribution Expense - Maintenance 1,316,922 Customer Accounting and Collecting Expense 700,791 Sales Expense 10,952 Administrative and General Expense 485,345

17,128,422 312,453 1,257,891 571,726 10,940 1,363,162

TOTAL OPERATING & MAINTENANCE EXPENSE 19,712,673

20,644,594

OPERATING REVENUE Electric Sales Revenue Other Revenues TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE

OTHER EXPENSES Depreciation of Plant Taxes Interest on Long-Term Debt

2,150,805 186,665 421,810

2,068,268 176,358 245,234

2,759,280

2,489,860

22,471,953

23,134,454

MARGINS FROM OPERATIONS

2,160,285

984,014

NONOPERATING MARGINS Interest Income Other Nonoperating Income

96,837 (255,510)

115,061 (38,497)

TOTAL NONOPERATING INCOME

(158,673)

76,564

$ 2,001,612

$ 1,060,578

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES

NET MARGINS

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Monroe-FEB_2022.indd 11

1/21/22 8:21 AM

Energy efﬁciency

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662.895.2151. northcentralelectric.com

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best I recently sat at my mama’s house watching the snow fall. Pushing up through the snow was a daffodil. Not only had the flower sprouted, but it was also attempting to bloom. The weekend before saw temperatures at 85 degrees one day and highs of 35 degrees two days later. We see the trend that nothing trends in February weather events. It’s only fitting that the third week of February is typically Severe Weather Preparedness week in Mississippi. The transitional nature of this month encourages both ice storms and tornadic activity. These weather events, along with the possibility of extreme cold, have the potential to disrupt electrical service for days or weeks. Northcentral continues to mitigate weather-related outages through increased maintenance and planning. Supply chain and COVID-related issues complicate this process, but we remain prepared. We hope our community is doing the same.

Every home and business should have a plan to sustain itself without electric power and other services for extended periods of time during these events. Resources can be found on the Mississippi Emergency Management website at msema.org. It’s worth a look. A little preparedness can go a long way. There is certain risk we experience during the transitional month of February, but not all is bad. Pitchers and catchers report to Major League Baseball Spring Training in the middle of the month. Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

Energy efﬁciency tip of the month About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through inefficient windows. Caulk and weatherstrip all windows to seal air leaks. When running your home heating system, lock all operable windows to ensure the tightest seal possible. Source: Dept. of Energy

Pre-register now for high-speed FIBER internet, served by folks you know!

northcentralconnect.com Connect with CONNECT! northcentralconnect northcentralconnect northcentral_c

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Northcentral_FEB_2022.indd 10

1/21/22 8:43 AM

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Northcentral_FEB_2022.indd 11

1/21/22 8:44 AM

MILESTONE SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES Northcentral recently celebrated employees that reached milestone service anniversaries in 2021.

20 Years

Kevin with Neil Watson and Debbie Hester celebrating 20 years.

30 Years

Kevin with Jeff Ivory and Paul Connell celebrating 30 years.

10 Years

15 Years

25 Years

35 Years

Alfred Bledsoe Ken Morse Ashley Sanderlin

Patty Tatum Beth Taylor

Travis Boren Steve Rodgers Jeff Underwood

Darin Farley Jeff Rhea

Plant Trees Safely

Before you dig, call 811 to locate buried utility lines.

LOW TREE ZONE

MEDIUM TREE ZONE

LARGE TREE ZONE

Avoid planting within 20 ft. of power lines. If planting is unavoidable, only plant shrubs and small trees that reach a mature height of 15 ft. or less.

Plant medium trees (under 40 ft. when mature) at least 25 ft. away from power lines.

Plant large trees (over 40 ft. when mature) at least 50 ft. away from power lines. Over 40 ft.

40 ft. high or less

Maximum tree height 15 ft.

Keep shrubs at least 10 ft. away from transformer doors and 4 ft. away from the sides. 4 ft.

10 ft.

Northcentral_FEB_2022.indd 12

10 ft.

20 ft.

30 ft.

40 ft.

50 ft.

60 ft.

70 ft.

1/24/22 9:19 AM

PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

BRUCE 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

by Paul Wesslund Lighting up your yard will keep the burglars away, right? That’s mostly true, but like a lot of things in life, it’s not that simple. A brightly-lit yard could make it easier for the bad guys to see during a break-in. From street lights to porch lights, studies show that better outdoor lighting reduces crime. But those same reports say that security lighting works best as part of a plan that takes into account what crooks look for. The basic advice from law enforcement, insurance companies, and home security system vendors is, don’t just flip on the yard light before bed. In fact, you may want to turn it off before turning in. The goal is to make it look like people are home. Turning lights on and off gives your home that lived-in look. And if you’re not there, well, there’s an app for that. Think like a burglar Intruders tend to enter a home through a door, and they’d rather you not be home, so they watch for signs that people are at work. That’s why most burglaries happen in the day, and why leaving your lights on all day and night, or when you’re on vacation, can be an advertisement that no one’s home. Keep the yard lit while you’re up and around to show normal activity — turning off the porch light at bedtime can be a sign to a potential intruder that someone is in the house. Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system Security cameras, alarm systems, and protection services offer a wide range of conveniences including fire protection or checking whether your pets hop onto the dining table when you leave. A security camera can also help identify someone stealing a package delivered to your doorstep. They can be expensive, so do your research carefully, and know what you’re trying to achieve.

Protect yourself from internet hackers Internet-connected devices can be hacked by digital-savvy troublemakers. Whether it’s a security camera or a smart light bulb, they offer cyber crooks a way into your personal information. The basic internet security advice is to have strong passwords and change them regularly, especially on your home’s central router. Keep software updated on your devices — those updates often add the newest cyber protections. Light for the right reasons Are you trying to light a walkway for guests or keep intruders away from an entrance? Place lights so they achieve your objective. And safety isn’t just about reducing crime. A well-lit outdoor space can also prevent trips, falls, and other accidents. Enlist technology Electronic timers and lights that turn on when they sense motion can give the impression that someone’s home and can light the sidewalk when you return from an outing, without leaving the lights on all the time. Increasingly, lights and fixtures can be linked to a smartphone so you can turn them on and off while you’re out and about. Go old school Besides electricity and technology, use people to reduce crime. Invite a police officer to give a safety briefing at a neighborhood meeting. They can describe the best steps for your area. And of all the crime-reducing tips, experts say the best one is to get to know your neighbors, who can recognize and report any out-of-the-ordinary activity. Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Pickup Truck Donation Pontotoc Electric recently donated a pickup truck to the New Albany School of Career and Technical Education. Students at the facility include those from Ingomar, which is part of PEPA’s service area. Pictured left to right: PEPA General Manager Frankie Moorman, PEPA Board Member Terry Oaks, New Albany School of Career and Technical Education Automotive Instructor Jonathan Garrison, and PEPA Employee Glenn Isbell.

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Pontotoc_Feb_2022.indd 10

1/20/22 8:25 AM

Enjoy these great recipes from our employees and retirees! Swiss Ham Rolls

Ranch Crackers

Kathy Colbert, Collections Assistant/Receptionist

Curtis (PEPA Retiree) and Seretha Gregory

INGREDIENTS 1 pkg small prebaked rolls 1 stick margarine, melted 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

INGREDIENTS 4 sleeves saltine crackers 1 cup canola oil

1 tbsp poppy seeds 1 tbsp dried onion flakes Swiss cheese slices ham slices

Slice whole loaf of rolls in half lengthwise. Mix together margarine, mustard, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, and dried onion flakes. Spread on cut sides of both slices of rolls. Layer cheeses and ham on bottom half and cover with top half. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes until very hot and cheese is melted.

Chicken Pot Pie Karen Laprade, Plant Accounting Clerk INGREDIENTS 2 ½ (11 oz) pkg pie crust mix 1 box refrigerated pie crusts 1⁄3 cup onion ½ tsp salt 1 ¾ cups chicken broth

1 bag mixed vegetables (2 cups) 1⁄3 cup butter 1⁄3 cup flour ¼ tsp pepper ½ cup of milk

Prepare bottom crust in 9” glass pie pan. In two-quart pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook two minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until well blended. Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened. Stir in chicken and mixed vegetables. Remove from heat. Spoon chicken mixture into crustlined pan. Top with second crust, seal edge, and cut slits in top crust. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Peyton’s Cube Steaks with Gravy Jennifer Johnson, Manager of Human Resources INGREDIENTS 1 pkg cube steaks (about 6-8) Flour for coating 1 pkg dry mushroom gravy mix Salt and pepper to taste

Mix oil, dressing mix, and red peppers well. Half the mixture. Mix half of the mixture with 2 sleeves of crackers and the other half of the remaining mixture with the 2 remaining sleeves of crackers. Toss in bowl with hands. Cover bowl for 2 hours. Flip bowl over 1 turn every 15 minutes. Cover tightly.

Salisbury Steak Lavonia Lackey, Manager of Customer Accounts INGREDIENTS 1 (10 ¾ oz) can golden mushroom soup ½ cup finely chopped onion ¼ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs 1⁄3 cup beef broth ¼ tsp pepper

1 ½ pounds ground beef 1 large egg, beaten 1 ½ cups fresh sliced mushrooms ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

Combine ¼ cup soup, beef, and next three ingredients; stir well. Shape mixture into 6 (½ inch) patties. Brown patties in large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove patties, discarding half of pan drippings. Cook mushrooms in remaining drippings in skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until tender. Combine remaining soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper; add to mushroom mixture. Return patties to skillet; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Yield: 6 servings.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Sue Cook, PEPA Retiree

1 onion, sliced into rings 1 pkg dry onion gravy mix 1 pkg dry brown gravy mix

Rinse cube steaks and dredge in flour, salt, and pepper. Place cube steaks in a skillet with a little oil, and sear on both sides. Place steaks in slow cooker. Add onion rings to slow cooker. Add 2 cups water. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, mix gravy mixes with 1 cup water and pour over steaks. Cook an additional 30 minutes, then serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

Pontotoc_Feb_2022.indd 11

1 pkg dry ranch dressing mix 1–2 tbsp red pepper flakes

INGREDIENTS 1 lb Velveeta cheese 1 stick butter 1 tbsp flour

12 oz elbow macaroni 1 cup milk

Cook noodles until tender. Melt butter in microwave, add flour, stir until smooth. Add milk. Chop up cheese and add to milk. Melt in microwave until sauce is completely melted. Stir until smooth. Pour over noodles.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

1/20/22 8:25 AM

PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com.

in 2022 2022 brings with it a fresh start and plenty of opportunities to thrive despite the challenges we continue to face as a result of COVID-19. I find it hard to believe that it has been two years since we first began dealing with this pandemic. In that time, we have seen the resulting fallout create numerous difficulties for everyone across the country, and electric cooperatives have not been immune to those effects. For PRVEPA, the biggest challenges have come in the form of supply shortages and price increases. Over the last year, the price of almost everything has risen, and your cooperative has seen these fluctuations firsthand. For instance, the cost of steel, copper, and petroleum-based products has increased approximately 8% since the pandemic began. Unfortunately for our industry, much of the equipment we use and the materials we purchase are centered around these materials. In 2020, the pandemic also created supply chain issues due to many manufacturers reconfiguring their plants for social distancing. These changes slowed production along with the shipping of materials. This has continued through 2021 and into 2022. These supply shortages have led to increased delays for utility parts. As if the pandemic wasn’t enough, severe storms and other natural disasters have also helped drive up costs and caused even greater supply issues. For example, the ice storm that affected the entire southern United States last year caused a supply shortage for items such as transformers. Later in the year, Hurricane Ida made landfall and only compounded these problems. Fortunately, we have anticipated such obstacles and have worked hard to make sure that we have orders placed in advance of needing this equipment. We have also worked to make sure we have plenty of materials on hand at our warehouses.

Our fiber internet subsidiary, PearlComm, has seen the same issues as well. We had hoped to begin connecting customers in the fall, but due to supply issues and our contract crews assisting with Hurricane Ida restoration in neighboring states, we were forced to wait longer than anticipated to connect members. Despite these challenges, and despite the experts predicting continued inflation and supply issues, Pearl River Valley Electric will remain diligent in its mission to provide affordable and reliable electricity to its entire membership. As in the past, our careful planning and preparation will ensure that we maintain the same level of service that you as a member are accustomed to receiving. In our 83-year history, we have overcome many difficult times and I can guarantee you that PRVEPA is prepared to serve you through whatever issues we face today. I appreciate the continued support from each of our members, and I look forward to another successful year for your cooperative.

by Matthew Ware CEO/General Manager

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

PRVEPA_FEB_2022.indd 10

1/19/22 4:55 PM

Paying your bill has never been easier You can now pay your Pearl River Valley Electric bill by text anytime, from anywhere with your smartphone (or your old ﬂip phone). Step 1 — If you aren’t already enrolled in text alerts, simply text “JOIN” to #352667. Step 2 — When you receive your welcome text, choose “START”. Step 3 — If you haven’t done so, set up a payment profile in our member portal through our website PRVEPA.com or through our app. Once you are enrolled in text alerts you can receive account and payment information with easy-to-use commands. Text “BAL” to receive your account balance. You will then be asked to choose your account or accounts. Text “PAY” to make a payment. You will then be asked to choose your account or accounts. Text “CALL” to make a call to our ofﬁce. Other options available include “HELP”, “MENU”, “RESET” and “STOP”, which opts you out of text alerts.

Pearl River Valley Electric has made it easier than ever to pay your bill without the hassle of writing a check or leaving your home. Please check out these options to make paying your bill simple. Bank Draft or Credit/Debit Draft – When it comes time to pay your bill, why waste the time to write a check? Relax knowing that your bill is automatically being paid from your account. Pearl River’s bank draft and debit/credit card draft programs are easy and convenient. Please visit our help center at www.prvepa.com to fill out these forms. PRVEPA App – Pearl River Valley Electric members can access their account information from their smart devices. You can pay your bill, track daily electric use and view your billing history. You can also set up alerts for when your bill is due. Apps for Apple and Android devices are available. Simply visit your app store and search for “PRVEPA”. It’s free, convenient and easy to use. Website – Just like our app, paying through Pearl River Valley Electric’s website is effortless. Go to www.prvepa.com and create a user ID in our customer service portal to access bill pay, electric use data, billing history and more! E-Bill – Through our PRVEPA customer service portal you can sign up for e-billing to receive paperless statements directly to your email. It’s friendly to the environment, convenient and secure.

Applications for Community College Scholars program due August 12, 2022 • Applications are available at PRVEPA offices and at www.prvepa.com. • Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by August 12. • Scholarship recipients must be a PRVEPA member, spouse or child of a member participating in the Round Up program.

• Recipients must be full time (12 hours or more per semester) freshmen students enrolled in academic or career-technical programs.

• Scholarship funds will be credited to each student’s college account — no checks will be issued to individuals.

• Scholarships should be awarded by the end of September. Students must be enrolled in good standing at the time funds are released to the colleges. Funded by members who are rounding up their monthly bills, these scholarships are intended to assist students who will attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

More information is available at www.prvepa.com. FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

PRVEPA_FEB_2022.indd 11

1/19/22 4:55 PM

BRINGING THE POWER WWW.SOU THERN PIN E.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1349 1 H WY. 28 | TAYLO R SVIL L E, MS 3916 8 | 800.231 .524 0

We Love Serving Our Members February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with special observances like Presidents’ Day, Black History Month, and Valentine’s Day. All were created to draw attention to a particular issue or theme. Valentine’s Day has become a widely celebrated day generating millions of dollars spent on flowers, candy, and cards to express our love. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s also the perfect time to let our friends, family, co-workers, and other special people in our lives know we care about them. So, with that in mind, we’ve created our list of top four reasons why we love serving you, the members of Southern Pine Electric. We love serving our members because the co-op wouldn’t exist without you. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, affordable, and safe electricity. Simply put, Southern Pine exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed in 1938 — to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not. You enable us to complete our mission by supporting our efforts to give back. A significant part of our mission is to serve our community and look after the greater good. With your assistance, we’re able to help the most vulnerable members of our community through food drives and programs like Cooperative Day of Service. You help us get it right. Southern Pine members are great about keeping us in the know. We do our best to avoid power outages, but Mother Nature occasionally throws a curveball.

Our members quickly report any power disruptions and are patient as our crews safely restore power. We know outages are frustrating, and your support as we work through storms means so much to our employees. We also appreciate your feedback on co-op programs and services like our new texting service. Your opinions are critical for the co-op’s success, and we thank you for that. You and other Southern Pine members make up the community we serve — and for us, it’s all about community. Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it thrive. That’s why Southern Pine donates to local charities, schools, and scholarship funds. It’s also why we invest in economic development and why you’ll see our employees volunteering at local schools and other charitable and community endeavors. As a co-op, we enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, we want to see it continue to thrive.

by Chris K. Rhodes President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

SouthernPine_FEB_2022.indd 10

1/20/22 8:44 AM

G R

Southern Pine Selects 2022 Youth Leaders

524 0

Southern Pine Electric proudly sponsors two high school juniors each year to attend the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson. They meet their legislators, tour the capitol, and participate in leadership and team-building activities with students from across Mississippi. Following the workshop, the students will participate in Youth Tour, held in Washington, D.C., where students from across the country join them. Jackson James and Zoey Feazell were among 30 students from Southern Pine’s 11-county service area who attended Cooperative University at Southern Pine Electric’s headquarters. Jackson and Zoey were selected through an application, observation, and interview process because they demonstrated leadership skills. They possess the qualities and characteristics to be future leaders of Southern Pine’s membership area and our state. Jackson James is a junior at Stringer High School and plans to attend medical school upon completing his bachelor’s degree. A member of HOSA, Jackson has participated in the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bay Springs Mayor’s Youth Council, Student Council, and the Beta Club. JackJackson James son is a member of

First Baptist Church in Taylorsville, where he participates in the worship band, “Worship All In.” He is the son of Steve and Hope James of Bay Springs. Zoey Feazell is a junior at Mendenhall High School and plans to pursue dentistry. She serves as the Junior Class Vice President, is a member of Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and is a Superintendent Scholar with perfect attendance. Zoey enjoys Zoey Feazell playing basketball and cheerleading. She is the daughter of Douglas and Rumonica Feazell of Magee. Congratulations, Jackson and Zoey, for being selected as Southern Pine’s 2022 Youth Leadership winners.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

SouthernPine_FEB_2022.indd 11

1/20/22 8:44 AM

Clearing the Way to Bring the Power

by Nolan Thorne, Vegetation Management Specialist Southern Pine Electric’s mission is to provide the safest and most reliable electric service possible at an affordable price. Vegetation management, or maintaining our rights-of-way, is crucial to maintaining reliable service. Unkept vegetation is one of the leading causes of service interruptions and a significant hazard to our employees and the public. Southern Pine follows industry-leading standards of trimming, mowing, and applying environmentally safe herbicides. Through a combination of these, we can provide the most efficient and safest rights-ofway possible. A right-of-way (ROW) is the land beneath or beside the electric lines that an electric cooperative has an easement to maintain and clear. Typically, these easements range from 15 to 20 feet on either side of the primary electric lines. Each district has a contract crew responsible for customer requests and clearing for new services. In addition, contract right-of-way crews assist with storm restoration. Southern Pine is proactive and performs preventive maintenance to reduce costs and provide reliable service. We contract crews that use larger side trimming machines and bucket trucks to cut around all the primary electric lines within a substation. Once the crews trim vegetation, they must collect limbs or brush left on the ground. Southern Pine also utilizes an EPA-approved, environmentally safe herbicide program to reduce the amount of woody vege-

tation in our rights-of-way. While this lowers trimming/mowing costs, it also allows safer work areas for crews and servicemen when line access is required. Not only does this allow easier access, but it prevents damage to our equipment and reduces outage times for our members. The application used by Southern Pine reduces the woody plants to allow native grasses and wildflowers to flourish, creating optimum wildlife habitat. With over 10,500 miles of energized lines spanning 11 counties, vegetation management is a continuous cycle. The preventative right-of-way maintenance allows Southern Pine to quickly restore service to our members during all outages but is critical to restoring service during significant storm events. Underground service rights-of-way are just as crucial as overhead services. Members need to be cautious of planting ornamental trees and shrubs because roots growing near underground lines can be hazardous. Plants too close to a transformer can be damaged when Southern Pine requires access. Remember to contact Southern Pine Electric before you trim or remove trees near any electric service line. If you see a tree touching electric lines or any other hazardous condition, don’t hesitate to call one of our district offices to report it. Clear rights-of-way improve reliability and assure easier access to restore power after outages caused by storms. Southern Pine is dedicated to maintaining our rights-of-ways today and in the future.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

SouthernPine_FEB_2022.indd 12

1/20/22 8:44 AM

Before

A˜ er

Before

A˜ er

Before

A˜ er FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 13

SouthernPine_FEB_2022.indd 13

1/20/22 8:45 AM

Safety is Always First Priority David West’s crew always puts safety first when bringing the power. The team of five men works together to keep each other safe and return home to their “one” reason that safety is number one. “At the end of the day, everybody has someone to go home to, and getting things done the right way is what we’re all about,” said Mickey Parker, apprentice lineman. Construction Supervisor David West, along with Journeyman

Lineman Tyler White, and Apprentice Linemen Jacob Clark, Mickey Parker, and Michael Douglas, keep the power going every day by working hard to maintain our infrastructure. When storms and outages occur, the focus on safety remains. Still, it is at the forefront of everything they do, even on calm, beautiful days. These men and all Southern Pine employees are proud to bring the power to your home, business, and life.

Power is a whole lot more than just providing electricity at Southern Pine. Power is economic development, education, and lending a helping hand. Power is supporting teachers, law enforcement, and first responders. Power is hard work that impacts the lives of our kids, our elderly, and the communities we serve. Power is keeping people safe and supporting others. Power is respecting differences and beliefs. Power is what we do. Members are powerful, and the Power is On at Southern Pine.

POWER IS THE

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

SouthernPine_FEB_2022.indd 14

1/20/22 8:45 AM

Service Awards

10 Years of Service – L to R, Dalton Bourgoyne, Josh Lang, Jayce Wright, Roger Pardue, DeDee Taylor, Dawn Lott, Kaleb Wood, and Dara Stockman (Not pictured: Charlotte Griffin John Shoemaker, Drummonds McAlpin)

15 Years of Service – L to R, David Layton, Kimberly Jones, Jan Collins, and Nicholas Russell (Not pictured: Stacy Robinson)

30 Years of Service – L to R, Renee McCool and Joe Hardin

20 Years of Service – L to R, Lawanda Glenn and Kevin Amason (Not pictured: Jeffery Kirkland and Scott Holston)

35 Years of Service – Kenneth Jernigan (Not pictured: Phillip Ricketson)

40 Years of Service – L to R, Wilbert Floyd, Joey White, Jimmy Arender, Nancy Blakeney, Larry Robinson, Ronnie Garrison, and Greg (J.J.) Jackson

45 Years of Service – L to R, Doyle Jones and Homer Dozier

50 Years of Service – Ronald Ishee FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 15

SouthernPine_FEB_2022.indd 15

1/20/22 8:45 AM

Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Wilkinson Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 | 601-437-3611 | 800-287-8564 | Fax: 601-437-8736 | Email: info@swepa.coop southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Southwest Electric

Rising Costs Result in Rate Adjustment for 2022 Southwest Electric was incorporated in 1937 as a Member-owned cooperative to serve the rural residents of nine counties in southwest Mississippi. Our mission has always been to provide electricity at the lowest cost possible consistent with sound economic and management policies. We routinely evaluate our rates taking into account the cost to provide electricity and maintain our system. After careful consideration, the Board of Directors has approved a small rate adjustment effective March 1, 2022. The cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity used will increase one-half of a cent. cent The daily service charge will increase eight cents. Outdoor lighting costs will also increase. The cost of outdoor lighting has remained the same for the last 24 years. The rising costs of service are the result of inflation, higher prices for fuel used to generate electricity, increased transmission costs and the rise in materials and supplies.

PRICE INCREASES DURING 2021 Gallon of Gas ...... $2.17 to $3.29 Tire ...... $225 to $265 35’ Pole ...... $155 to $175

For more information, please call or visit our website at southwestelectric.coop/residential-rates.

40’ Pole ...... $200 to $220

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Tip

Remember to replace your air ﬁlter monthly, even during winter.

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Southwest_FEB_2022.indd 10

1/19/22 4:38 PM

t Electric

Need assistance to pay your bill?

MEMBERS

Members Paying It Forward Southwest Electric is proud to join hundreds of other cooperatives around the country in offering our own energy assistance program. Our Members Paying It Forward program enables Members to round up their bill and help support other Members over the age of 50 needing assistance to pay their electric utility bills. Our employees and Directors are also Paying It Forward by donating to the program. To date, $14,709.20 from this program has helped 41 qualifying Members between the ages of 52 to 85. To round up your bills and start Paying It Forward, please visit our website, email or call us.

Hinds County Human Resource Agency hchra.org • 601-923-3950 AJFC Community Action Agency, Inc. ajfccaa.org 601-442-8681

Email: memberspayingitforward@swepa.coop southwestelectric.coop Phone: 800-287-8564

Southwest Mississippi Opportunity, Inc. swmocaa.org 601-888-4211

EMPLOYEE

Catholic Charities catholiccharitiesjackson.org 601-442-4579

Spotlight

James Bateaste

Amanda Cranfi Cranﬁeld

Right-of-Way Operator

Billing Supervisor

James, affectionately known as Smiley, started his career at Southwest Electric in October 2007. For 14 years, he has worked in the Rightof-Way Department, which is tasked with trimming trees away from our 4,200 miles of power lines. He works on the bucket truck crew cutting and clearing trees that may fall and interrupt electric service. Smiley lives in Crosby. He has one son and two daughters.

Amanda became an employee at Southwest Electric in January 2008 as a Member Services Representative. In November 2010, she transferred to the Billing Department and was recently promoted to Billing Supervisor. She ensures accuracy of the billing information and cycles, monitors data from the automated meter reading system and maintains Members’ capital credit data and payments. Amanda and her husband, Will, live in Lorman. They have one daughter. FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Southwest_FEB_2022.indd 11

1/19/22 4:38 PM

BRIAN HUGHEY

Bringing power and energy services to local communities For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313. www.singingriver.com

Public Relations Specialist

LORRI FREEMAN, APR

STEPHANIE CHISHOLM

Manager of Public Relations

Public Relations Assistant

SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

@singingriverelectric

@SRECooperative

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Unstable fuel prices drive the increased cost of power Starting in January 2022, Singing River Electric billing statements include a power cost adjustment (PCA) increase of 2.10 mills or $0.0021 per kilo-watt hour. The new PCA will Brian Hughey result in an estimated General Manager & CEO increase of $2.10 for a residential member using 1,000 kilo-watt hours per month. During 2021, we saw fuel costs rise across the country. While gasoline, diesel, and propane prices climbed by nearly 50%, the cost of natural gas saw a larger increase as it doubled between March and October. Throughout 2021, global and domestic natural gas markets had higher volatility than in recent years. The volatility was driven by several factors including the effects of Winter Storm Uri that left millions of homes without power across the country. Additionally, global markets began experiencing supply issues that affected prices in the U.S. from summer to late fall. Higher natural gas costs combined with increased costs for line maintenance and power transmission charges resulted in this passed-through cost increase from our wholesale power provider, Cooperative Energy, to Singing River Electric members. As you are aware, Cooperative Energy owns and operates generating facilities

AMANDA PARKER

General Manager & CEO

throughout our region. Over the last decade, Cooperative Energy has made significant strides in converting older coal-fired generating units to more environmentally-friendly renewable and natural gas driven options. As a result, less than 10% of Cooperative Energy’s owned generation today is powered by coal. While renewables, such as solar, certainly have power generation advantages, we must consider the associated risks like the lack of around-the-clock reliability. Today, natural gas makes up more than 70% of Cooperative Energy’s generation portfolio, resulting in an increased cost to generate electricity. Fortunately, Cooperative Energy does an exceptional job of securing future fuel contracts to minimize exposure of costs for its member distribution systems, including Singing River Electric. Even with the contracts and success in the MISO power market, Cooperative Energy is expecting continued upward pressure on natural gas purchases during the upcoming year. While the price of natural gas has seen a small decrease over the last two months, forecasts continue to keep prices well above those in 2020. As your electric service provider, Singing River Electric will continue to meet our members’ energy needs while providing electric service at the lowest possible cost and enhancing the lives of the members and the communities we serve.

@singingriverelectric Energy Tips

Jeff Gray Energy Services Representative gray@singingriver.com

Heat pump savings in the winter The winter heating period is when you see the most energy savings from a heat pump. A heat pump is not designed to turn on and off daily; it is designed to maintain the temperature setting in your home. We do not recommend adjusting the thermostat more than two degrees at a time. Your thermostat has an emergency heat setting which should not be used under normal conditions. When using the emergency heat mode your heat pump will not operate, and electric strips will heat your home at a considerably higher cost. Freon is used to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. Semiannual or annual maintenance agreements with local HVAC contractors are recommended to ensure your heat pump is operating at 100% efficiency in winter as well as in summer.

Notice of Singing River Electric Director Qualiﬁcation Period Candidates seeking election to the board of directors for Singing River Electric Cooperative must visit Singing River Electric’s Lucedale office located at 11187 Old 63 South and obtain a Director Qualification packet. The forms and petitions included must be completed and the packet returned by close of business on the last business day in February (Monday, February 28, 2022).

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

SRE_FEB_2022-CW.indd 10

1/21/22 8:49 AM

We are opening ﬁber sign-ups in more of the pilot areas! PILOT AREA #1

PILOT AREA #2

PILOT AREA #3

These maps show current fiber sign-up areas in purple*. They include all of the first pilot project in the Brewer community and half of the second pilot in the Vestry community. The portion in Vestry is along Highway 57 North.

If you are in one of the pilot areas listed above and are eligible to sign up: 1. Call 877-272-6611 to speak to a SR Connect fiber customer service representative. 2. Complete and return your service agreement and make your initial payment. 3. Once that is complete, they will schedule your drop installation (fiber service constructed to your home or business). 4. The final step will be scheduling a home installation once your drop installation is complete.

Amazon Echo Show Giveaways Congratulations to Dee Myrick who won an Amazon Echo Show 5 in the SRE Brewer substation – Cochran Road feeder SR Connect fiber signup drawing! All in this feeder who subscribed for SR Connect fiber service by January 12, 2022, were entered to win. Fiber subscribers in the SRE Brewer substation’s Camp 8 Road and Union Road feeders who signed up for SR Connect fiber internet by February 28, 2022, will be entered into separate drawings for an Amazon Echo Show 5. Eligible subscribers will receive mailed postcards and emails once they are eligible to sign up and about this promotion.

*National Forest Service areas are not included as a sign-up area even though they display purple on the map. Great news! We have received the NFS permit and expect to begin signing up in that area by mid-February.

Projected Dates for Fiber Construction Pilot project 1 – SRE Brewer Substation Area All** feeders (fiber lines leading out from Brewer substation) in this area are in Step 7 – Scheduling Installations.

Pilot project 2 – Aleco Substation Area (Vestry Community) The Highway 57 North feeder is in Steps 5 and 6 – Taking sign-ups, scheduling Service Drops and Splicing. The Lake-O-Pines feeder is in Step 4 – Splicing and is projected to begin sign-ups in mid-February..

Pilot project 3 – Agricola Substation Area The Highway 63 North feeder is in Step 3 – Fiber Construction. The Movella feeder is also in Step 3 – Fiber Construction. (Note: These are projected dates and are subject to change due to weather and many other factors.) **NFS lands will begin sign-ups mid-February. They are currently in Steps 3, Fiber Construction, and 4, Splicing.

Upcoming right-of-way projects Singing River Electric clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing helps decrease the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines.

Here are the substations and surrounding areas that are either currently being cleared or where clearing will begin soon: Dickerson Sawmill Substation – Highway 63, Dickerson Sawmill Road, Brushy Creek Road, and surrounding areas. Sunplex Substation – Highway 57, Brown Road, and surrounding areas. Rocky Creek Substation – Highway 98, Rocky Creek Road, Highway 63, and surrounding areas. Fountainbleau Substation – Highway 90, Old Spanish Trail, Old Shell Landing Road, and surrounding areas.

SRE_FEB_2022-CW.indd 11

1/21/22 9:11 AM

Community

Co-op Days of Service

Electric co-op employees complete local service acts to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. inging River Electric joined other Mississippi electric cooperatives to participate in Co-op Days of Service, held annually in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and holiday. King stated, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” Singing River Electric employees answered the call for service with three days of service. The first was held at the Jackie Leverette Memorial tennis courts in Leakesville. Tasks performed included painting the court’s scoreboard, bleachers and benches. The second and third service projects were at the Wilkerson Ferry West boat launch in George County and Bennett Bayou Preserve in Jackson County. SRE employees worked to cut grass, trim weeds, pick up trash and generally clean up the area, including the artesian well at the boat launch location.

“It feels good to give back, but it’s also about pride in your community,” said Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey. “Serving our local communities is part of our electric co-op heritage; and as employees we live and work in these communities. This is where we call home.” Singing River Electric was joined in the Co-op Days of Service annual event by Cooperative Energy, Coast Electric, Dixie Electric, Magnolia Electric and Southern Pine Electric. They completed similar acts of service including serving at community kitchens, collecting diapers, assisting at a local animal shelter and more. Fore more information on each of the service projects, visit singingriver.com or join us on our social media pages on Facebook/ Instagram (SingingRiverElectric) and Twitter (SRECooperative).

Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

SRE_FEB_2022-CW.indd 12

1/21/22 8:49 AM

SRE_FEB_2022-CW.indd 13

1/21/22 8:49 AM

Encouraging tech skills through design, programming, and teamwork SRE NHN Grant beneﬁts East Central High School Robotics Team Grants NHN Community Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Community Grants help Singing River Electric merge efforts with the hard work of those within our communities. Since the program’s inception in 2001, $324,641.22 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

The engineering program at East Central High School began in 2014 and has expanded throughout the years to include manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. A $2,477 Singing River Electric Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant has allowed the robotics team to get back to robotics competitions. “We have three teams and actually took first, second, and third out of 17 teams at our first competition,” explains Tammy Sampson, teacher, and robotics team sponsor. “We are so thankful for this grant—it has allowed us to purchase a new robotics system and get our students back to competitions.”

For more information on SRE NHN Community Grants and how to apply, visit singingriver.com/my-community. Grants for up to $2,500 are awarded to nonprofits in SRE’s service area three times a year in January, May, and September.

SRE_FEB_2022-CW.indd 14

Mississippi celebrates Arbor Day February 11 Although National Arbor Day is celebrated in April, Mississippi has been celebrating Arbor Day in February since 1926 as a special day to recognize the statewide contributions of trees and forests. Mississippi celebrates in February because late winter is the best time to plant new trees in our region. This increases the survival rate by giving young trees time to establish their root system before spring begins. In 2020, forestry was the third most valuable agriculture industry in the state with a value of $1.12 billion. Trees cover 19,700,000 acres in Mississippi. Arbor Day represents hope for the future; trees provide clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty — all for a better tomorrow.

1/21/22 9:09 AM

twincoepa.com SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN SEVEN DELTA COUNTIES

@twincoepa

Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250

We love serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible, and safe electricity. Simply put, Twin County Electric exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed — to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not.

You and other Twin County Electric members make up the community we serve — and for us, it’s all about community. Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it thrive. That’s why Twin County Electric donates to local charities, schools, and scholarship funds. It’s also why we invest in economic development. As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.

You help us get it right. Twin County Electric members are great about keeping us in the know. We do our best to avoid power outages, but Mother Nature can occasionally throw us a curveball; our members

by Tim Perkins General Manager

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

TwinCounty_FEB_2022.indd 10

1/24/22 1:36 PM

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

TwinCounty_FEB_2022.indd 11

1/24/22 1:37 PM

TWITTER

662-746-4251 — OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES • 866-484-4277 — PAY BY PHONE

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with special observances like Presidents’ Day, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, in addition to a host of unofficial “national” days you’ve probably never heard of like “National Tater Tot Day.” But they all have something in common. They were created to draw attention to a particular issue or theme. Valentine’s Day may seem like an observance originally created by a greeting card company, but over time, it’s become a widely celebrated day generating millions of dollars spent on flowers, candy and of course, greeting cards professing our love. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the lovebirds. It’s also the perfect time to let our friends, family, co-workers, and other special people in our lives know we care about them — with or without a store-bought greeting card. So, in that vein, we’ve created our list of top four reasons why we love serving you, the members of Yazoo Valley Electric.

We love serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, affordable and safe electricity. Yazoo Valley Electric exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed in 1937 — to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not. You enable us to complete our mission by supporting our efforts to give back. A major part of our mission is to serve our community and look after the greater good. With your assistance, we aim to continue to build on that tradition.

Members of our co-op also serve on the board of directors. Our directors provide guidance for setting co-op priorities and helping make big decisions. Because our board members have roots in our service area, they are able to serve as the pulse of the larger community and identify immediate and long-term needs. Our members also regularly provide feedback that helps us improve the service we provide.

as our crews work to safely restore power. We know outages are frustrating, and your support as we work through storms means so much to our employees. We also appreciate your feedback on Yazoo Valley programs and services. Your opinions are critical for our success, and we thank you for that.

You and other Yazoo Valley Electric members make up the community we serve — and for us, it’s all about community Our employees live and work here and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help our community thrive. That’s why Yazoo Valley Electric donates to local charities, schools, and scholarship funds. It’s also why we invest in economic development, and why you’ll see our employees volunteering and supporting worthwhile community endeavors. As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.

You help us be the best we can be. Yazoo Valley Electric members are great about keeping us informed. We do our best to avoid power outages, but the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, and our service area seems to attract more than our share of damaging storms. Our members are quick to report power disruptions and are patient

by Michael Neely General Manager

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

Yazoo_FEB-2022.indd 10

1/20/22 8:29 AM

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 11

Yazoo_FEB-2022.indd 11

1/20/22 8:29 AM